DOH: 4 die of severe dehydration due to diarrhea in Quezon

Four individuals have died of severe dehydration due to diarrhea at a barangay in General Nakar, Quezon, the Department of Health (DOH).

According to Mariz Umali’s report on “24 Oras”, all the fatalities belonged to the Dumagat tribe. The possible cause of the outbreak is the contamination of drinking water from the well.

“Based doon sa isang na-document nila na tinest yung dumi, ang cause ay parasite no, yung amoebiasis at saka giardiasis,” said Governor Angelina Tan.

The Regional Health Unit of General Nakar has recorded 33 cases of diarrhea.

Twenty-three individuals have recovered, two are currently confined to the hospital, and eight are still recovering in their homes. There are two more death cases, but the authorities are still investigating if Diarrhea is also the cause.

The local government has said it had the situation under control. It has already built bathrooms with toilets in the area, but the residents did not use them. It also taught them how to prevent dehydration.

Meanwhile, the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) of DOH-Calabarzon is undergoing a mission and surveillance regarding the outbreak.

“Nagcollect pa lang kami ng water, at ito ay dumating na kagabi. So tinest, nag-rectal swab yung mga nagtatae. So nag-swab and today pinadala namin sa RITM yung result and at the same time nagdala na rin tayo roon ng disinfectant sa water,” Tan said.

She also advised those who are experiencing symptoms of Diarrhea to consult immediately.

“To seek consults immediately ‘no kasi yung iba nagho-home remedy. Hindi nila nauunawan na minsan yung severe dehydration medyo mahirap ding habulin ‘no,” she noted.

However, if the patient is far from the hospital, you can boil water, and when it cools, add salt and sugar or use oresol as first aid. It is also important to check the source of your food and drinking water. —Sherylin Untalan/NB, GMA News